The Social Stigma with Diabetes

Almost everyone knows of someone who has diabetes. But unless one is a caregiver, loved one or the patient, odds are they do not quite understand all that it entails. In addition to the tasks associated with keeping sugar levels stable, there is actually a bit of a social stigma associated with having diabetes. 

Type 1 and type 2 are the main two common types of diabetes. In type1 diabetes the body stops producing the cells that release insulin. In type 2 the body becomes insulin resistant and is not able to use the insulin properly. As of now there are no solutions but only methods are available to manage the condition. Some of these are regular exercise, planned meals and blood sugar levels. Another alternative method is use of a device that helps to monitor the sugar level in the blood.  This method although now has become very common but due to the stigma associated with it many people feels uncomfortable doing it.

Different methods are being attempted to be created which will help to monitor the sugar level in blood in diabetes. Monitoring devices are being created through research and development at Victoria university. These devices can be used by those who depends on sugar level readings. Designs such as phone cases, jewellery, bikes attachment etc have been proposed.

Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes feel embarrassed to monitor the sugar level which goes on for days. For teenagers with type 1 diabetes this feeling is said to be even more prominent since when they are in school or any other public setting they feel embarrassed to monitor their levels. Gillian McCarthy states that the new devices are still in prototyping phase but to her team’s proposals and designs this has brought a lot of positive response. For those diagnosed with diabetes these devices will help create a comfortable environment. This is how the present stigma surrounding diabetes can be broken.

But how did the stigma cam about most of the stigmas start by spreading wrong information. Especially when discussing type 2 diabetes this can be the case. About this disease it is thought that due to poor lifestyle choices such as exercising habits and eating, contraction happens. Since another cause of type 2 diabetes is genetics hence there is also a large misconception associated with type 2 diabetes. These negative stigmas and misinformation can take their toll on diabetic patients, due to the stigma, serious psychological repercussions are encountered. The confidence level of the individual drops. Since they are not included in certain activities they may feel that they are outsiders. They may feel that they are to be blamed.

It is important to understand the disease at different levels. At least a basic understanding is needed of what diabetes is and the difference between the two types.  Also it can prove to be of importance to have knowledge on how diabetes results but knowing to manage the disease is most important. In order to not make diabetic population feel lonely, one should understand what to takes to liver everyday and about the stress induced by others. There can be open discussion about the condition and also the person can open up about how he or she feels every day. The negative social stigma will not go away without this compassion and underlying empathy. Hopefully to monitor the glucose level the solution for more integrated method is on the horizon. For people living with diabetes this will also give them a better life.